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The history of Vincent Systems: From its founding in 2009 to product innovations and international expansion – high-tech in prosthetics. History of the Fluidhand and the VINCENTevolution 1998 Fluidhand 1 thin foil soft robot hand with 5DOF, 5iDOF This first soft hand consists of thin foil layers, which have been joined together to form more complex drives in a sandwich construction. Five fingers, built up from 6 foil layers each, functionally welded in pairs, with the middle two foils forming the skeletal structure filled with epoxy resin. The outer two foil layers each form a fluidic muscle. For this purpose, two thin films were welded together in such a manner that chambers were formed in a row and connected to each other. When this structure is inflated with a gas or liquid, it contracts by about 20% of its length, similar to the natural muscle, and the finger curls up like a bow. Read more 1999 Fluidhand 2 silicon tube soft sobot hand with 16DOF, 11iDOF The new planar technology for manufacturing fluidic drives and kinematics was therefore ideally suited for actively moving miniature catheters and endoscopes. However, the forces achievable with planar film drives, which operate at a working pressure of 0.5-1 bar, were too low for the construction of an artificial hand. To generate higher grasping forces, a correspondingly higher working pressure had to act in the fluidic drives. For Fluidhand 2, “artificial muscles” based on thin silicone hoses were therefore used, which were sheathed with a flexurally flexible, stretch-resistant fabric made of polyamide. Read more 2000 Fluidhand 3 rubber bulg soft hand prosthesis with 10DOF, 1iDOF With the third generation of the Fluidhand, Schulz transferred the technology of flexible fluid actuators to a hand prosthesis. To achieve higher grasping forces, the drives were modified for grasping even heavy objects. The unfolded silicone tubes reinforced with fabric were replaced by miniature folded bellows, which in turn were encased in fabric and attached to aluminum joints in the folds by nylon threads to keep their shape. Three drive elements in each finger, with the two distal bellows coupled together, and two drives in the thumb allow 14 joint axes to move in this hand, equivalent to 14 DOF at 10 iDOF. The fluid actuators were driven by means of miniature hydraulics. The control system, consisting of pump, valve, electronics, sensors and tank, was connected to the prosthesis via a hose approximately 1 m long. The hydraulic unit was the size of a portable telephone and was worn on the belt. Read more 2001 Fluidhand 4 rubber bulg soft hand prosthesis with 10DOF, 6iDOF The Fluidhand 4 has 10 flexible bellows drives, each of which, when pressurized, angles an aluminum joint by 90 degrees. Stretching is achieved by suction of the drive medium and by additional elastic bands. Each long finger has two drives that are fluidically coupled to each other and each leads to a common control valve in the metacarpus. The thumb has two individually movable drives, each of which is actuated by a separate valve. The drive medium is water. This hand prosthesis operates hydraulically for the first time. A miniature pump draws the fluid from an elastic reservoir in the forearm and pumps it at up to 6 bar via the valve bank into the bellows drive chambers. The pump and valves are controlled by a microprocessor in the hand, and the prosthesis wearer gives the control commands via myoelectric sensors. Read more 2002 Fluidhand 5 rubber bulg soft handprosthesis with 8DOF, 5iDOF The Fluidhand 5 was designed with the aim of integrating all system components of miniature hydraulics into the metacarpals in order to make the hand compatible with established socket systems. The prosthesis can be connected to all standard prosthetic sockets via a quicksnap wrist. Both the myoelectric sensors and the energy storage of the socket are used. The pump, fluid tank, valve bank and controller are located in and on the metacarpus. With the reduction in tank size, the number of fluidic drive was reduced to 8. The ring finger and little finger are flexed over one drive each. In the weight-optimized frame in sandwich construction, the elastic finger abduction was integrated. Five valves control the 8 drives of the hand, with the ring, little and middle fingers being hydraulically connected to each other. Read more 2003 Fluidhand 6 rubber bulg soft handprosthesis with 4DOF, 3iDOF The Fluidhand 6 is a particularly compact version of the hydraulic hand prosthesis, reduced to the essentials. The index, middle and ring fingers are each moved in the base joint via a flexible bellows drive, the little finger is mechanically coupled to the ring finger, and the middle finger is hydraulically coupled to the ring finger. The thumb is actuated in the basic joint. In this way, the thumb and index finger can be moved separately, while the other fingers move together. The 4 drives are controlled by a 3 valve bank, the miniature pump sucks distilled water from a pressure storage tank to pump it into the drive chambers. The weight of the hand is about 350 g. The aluminum fingers were covered with a PU foam. In the basic joints, all long fingers have an elastically mounted abduction. Weiter lesen 2004 Fluidhand 7 rubber bulg soft handprosthesis with 8DOF, 8iDOF The Fluidhand 7 is designed as an experimental hand. It is used to develop new control methods and to test a new tank system that is capable of storing energy. The hand therefore has one valve for each of the 8 drives. A type of spring accumulator was developed for the hydraulic tank, which allows the hand to be closed quickly and silently without the hydraulic pump operating. Due to the large number of new and experimental components, the metacarpus has turned out to be significantly larger than the previous model, but at this stage of development, the anatomical shape and size of the hand is not a priority. Read more 2005 Fluidhand 8 rubber bulg soft handprosthesis with 8DOF, 4iDOF The Fluidhand 8 has 8 drives that are controlled via 5 valves. The bellows in the index finger and middle finger are each hydraulically coupled with each other, and the drives of the ring and little fingers are also connected with each other via a common valve. The special feature of this further development is that the metacarpus has been replaced by a hermetically sealed pressure body. Inside the metacarpus is an elastic tank in the form of a diaphragm, in which both the drive medium (vegetable oil) and the control electronics, valves and pump are integrated; all system components "float" permanently in the drive medium. Between the pressure body shell and the diaphragm there is again a two-phase gas with a constant pressure of 2 bar. Read more 2006 Fluidhand 9 rubber bulg soft handprosthesis with 5DOF, 5iDOF The Fluidhand 9 has 5 drives of different sizes. The base joints of the index finger and middle finger are equipped with stronger drives. The elastic fluid tank is located in the wrist. When the fingers are emptied, they are stretched and the fluid is pumped from the finger joints into the elastic tank in the wrist, bending the wrist and opening the hand further. The pump is noise-isolated and free-swinging in a CFRP tank; valves and controls are located in the metacarpus, which is completely covered with CFRP. The thumb with a drive in the base pivots between flat hand and opposition position to the three-point grip. Read more Current products

VINCENTevolution5 Humanoid Robotics Cutting-edge robotics meets high-tech hand prosthetics At Booth B59 in Hall 11 of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) at the 2026 Hannover Messe, modern robotics and highly advanced bionic hand systems come together in a joint technological application. The latest generation of the ARMAR robot family, developed at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), impressively demonstrates how closely these two fields can work together. The ARMAR 7 service robot, developed at KIT, was equipped with two hand systems from the Karlsruhe-based company Vincent Systems GmbH as part of a research collaboration. The VINCENTevolution5 hand systems were equipped with a new interface and software for this application. The humanoid robots of the ARMAR family are designed to assist people in their daily lives and at work. ARMAR-7 has recently begun using our bionic VINCENT hands for this purpose and benefits from their proven suitability for everyday use, which is reflected in an extremely robust construction, high gripping force, and precise control. The robotic hands are made of high-strength aluminum and, optionally, titanium, which is coated with HTV silicone. In the hand, which weighs only 450g, six powerful motors control the 6 iDOF and 11 joints, enabling gripping forces of up to 45N to be generated at each individual fingertip. The robust, waterproof design (IP68) as well as the anatomical shape and size make the VINCENTevolution5 the ideal hand for humanoid robotics. All technical details at a glance Technical specifications ARMAR-7 with VINCENTevolution hand systems

Pictures of the Vincent Systems booth at the REHAB trade fair for orthopaedic technicians and users in 2025. REHAB 2025 Close VINCENTevolution5 neo1 Exoskeleton VINCENTvr Training system

Technical data and more in the archive of all Vincent Systems hand prosthesis models - from the Fluidhand to the VINCENTevolution. Predecessor models Our previous models are no longer available. Of course, maintenance and repair will still be done in consultation with your technician. VINCENTevolution1 VINCENTevolution2 VINCENTevolution3/3+ VINCENTevolution4 VINCENTyoung1 VINCENTyoung2 VINCENTpartial1 VINCENTpartial2 VINCENTpartial3 / 3+ Current products

Technical documentation, flyers, and installation instructions from Vincent Systems – for informational purposes only, intended for professionals. Downloads Area for registered partners The data sheets, flyers and assembly instructions provided are intended solely for the information of specialist circles and informal use. Any further publication requires the consent of Vincent Systems GmbH. VINCENTevolution5 VINCENTpartial4 VINCENTyoung3+ VINCENTwrist VINCENTpartial passive VINCENTpartial body Vpower flex USB-C VINCENTwork VINCENTaqua Emg1 Emg2

Overview of registered patents and property rights in the field of hand prosthetics and exoskeletons – Innovation & Quality from Vincent Systems. Patents All our products are registered and protected by the following United States patents: US8491666: VINCENTevolution1, VINCENTevolution3, VINCENTevolution3+, VINCENTevolution4, VINCENTevolution5, VINCENTpartial3, VINCENTpartial3+, VINCENTpartial4, VINCENTyoung3, VINCENTyoung3+ US9072616: VINCENTevolution2, VINCENTpartial2, VINCENTyoung2 US12440355: emg US11517454 and by the following German and European patents: DE102014011554, DE102017005765, DE102016014090, DE102017010840, DE102017007794, DE102008056520, DE202014003565, DE202017000172, DE102017005761, DE102017005762, DE102017005764, DE102012005041, DE102020119343, DE102017010839, EP2364129 and others.

Pictures of the Vincent Systems booth at the OTWorld trade fair for orthopaedic technicians and users in 2022. OTWorld 2022 Close

Innovative virtual reality training system for rehabilitation and prosthesis control: Maximum motivation and therapeutic effect. VINCENTvr VR based training system Vincent Systems harnesses the potential of virtual reality (VR) not only for hand prostheses but also for their exoskeleton systems. Using VR as a training system, individuals can practice controlling and maneuvering the exoskeleton or prosthesis, allowing them to become familiar with its functionality in a virtual environment before using it in real-life situations. Furthermore, VR serves as an effective tool for rehabilitation. By creating virtual scenarios that mimic daily activities, patients can undergo targeted training sessions, improving their motor skills and enhancing their ability to perform tasks. Additionally, virtual mirror training in VR for phantom limb pain treatment enables users to visualize the movement of their impaired limbs in conjunction with their healthy hand’s motions. This helps patients retrain their neural pathways, facilitating the integration of the exoskeleton into their body schema and promoting a more intuitive and natural movement. By immersing patients in virtual environments and providing sensory feedback, the system helps alleviate the sensation of pain in the absent limb. Vincent Systems' integration of VR into exoskeleton and prosthesis training, rehabilitation, and mirror training offers a comprehensive solution for individuals seeking to enhance their mobility and regain independence. The combination of cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences paves the way for improved outcomes in the field of prosthesis and orthosis control as well as rehabilitation.

All available grip options for the myoelectric hand prosthesis at a glance. 16 versatile, practical grip options for everyday use. Grips VINCENTevolution5 / 4

2001 - Fluidhand 4 Up The Fluidhand 4 has 10 flexible bellows drives, each of which, when pressurized, angles an aluminum joint by 90 degrees. Stretching is achieved by suction of the drive medium and by additional elastic bands. Each long finger has two drives that are fluidically coupled to each other and each leads to a common control valve in the metacarpus. The thumb has two individually movable drives, each of which is actuated by a separate valve. The drive medium is water. This hand prosthesis operates hydraulically for the first time. A miniature pump draws the fluid from an elastic reservoir in the forearm and pumps it at up to 6 bar via the valve bank into the bellows drive chambers. The pump and valves are controlled by a microprocessor in the hand, and the prosthesis wearer gives the control commands via myoelectric sensors. The skeletal structure of the prosthesis is made entirely of aluminum. The long fingers are flexibly mounted in the base in the direction of abduction. The unique combination of flexible fluid actuators and a mobile miniature hydraulic system in a myoelectrically controlled hand prosthesis opens up new possibilities in prosthetic fitting. The mechanical properties of the drives are already soft and flexible, making them ideal for adaptive grasping analogous to the human hand. Since the internal pressure is also distributed evenly in a hydraulic system, an ideal form fit to gripped objects is achieved. The grip thus adapts to an object independently and creates a maximally large contact surface, with the result that only very little grasping force is required to keep an object extraordinarily stable. The use of a hydraulic system has another advantage, which has a particularly positive effect on the mobility and weight of a prosthesis. The flexible fluid actuators are in themselves very small and lightweight drives. In the hydraulic pump, the electrical energy of the prosthesis battery is converted into kinetic energy. Only one pump is needed for the entire prosthesis system. The pump is the heaviest system component, but it can be positioned anywhere on the prosthesis because it is only connected to the valve bank and the drives via a flexible pressure hose. For optimal weight distribution in the prosthesis, the pump is placed as proximally to the arm as possible. Since all joints of my prosthesis are usually never moved at the same time, the pump size can be sized for a smaller number of drives. The grip selection is made using a reduced Morse code. A distinction is made between a long and a short myoelectric signal, with two consecutive signals considered at a time. User-defined settings as well as grip training are performed via a Bluetooth-connected pocket computer (precursor to the smartphone). The CFRP stem (Frühauf Handprothetik) and the lifelike silicone cosmetic (Pohlig Orthopädietechnik) create for the first time the combination of a multiarticulating functional hand and a habitus prosthesis. Up

2006 - Fluidhand 9 Up The Fluidhand 9 has 5 drives of different sizes. The base joints of the index finger and middle finger are equipped with stronger drives. The elastic fluid tank is located in the wrist. When the fingers are emptied, they are stretched and the fluid is pumped from the finger joints into the elastic tank in the wrist, bending the wrist and opening the hand further. The pump is noise-isolated and free-swinging in a CFRP tank; valves and controls are located in the metacarpus, which is completely covered with CFRP. The thumb with a drive in the base pivots between flat hand and opposition position to the three-point grip. For reasons of optimizing speed and tank size, separate drives for the ring and little fingers were omitted, but these two long fingers are actively moved by coupling with the base joint of the middle finger. The control valve for the thumb drive is located in the distal thumb phalanx. The wrist with a 4-pole coaxial insert is compatible with all stem systems, control is via two EMG sensors, and it is possible to switch between several grip types by means of short switching signals. This last version of the Fluidhand for the time being also features a Bluetooth interface for mobile devices as well as a vibrotactile sense of touch. The Fluidhand 8 is currently the last further development of the multi-articulating hydraulic hand based on flexible fluid actuators. The aim of this hand version was to provide a pre-product ready for series production for a hand prosthesis commercially available on the fitting component market and to convince potentially interested parties of the development for marketing. The bionic hand prosthesis, which is already suitable for everyday use, was manufactured and tested in a small series. It is thus the first bionic multi-articulating hand prosthesis and also the first hydraulic hand prosthesis.

On this page, we provide you with a selection of images and press releases for download. Press material Here, we provide you with a selection of images and press releases for download. We will be happy to send you more images to support your editorial press work on request. How to use the press material: You may use the offered content free of charge in the context of editorial reporting in connection with Vincent Systems. Any misleading, promotional use will be considered illegal use. Any publication of images and press texts must be accompanied by the copyright notice "Photo: Vincent Systems" or "Text: Vincent Systems". You are welcome to send sample copies to the following address: Vincent Systems GmbH Dr. Stefan Schulz Albert-Nestler-Straße 28-30, 76131 Karlsruhe Press release June 2019: Eine Roboterhand revolutioniert den Prothesenmarkt (A robotic hand revolutionizes the prosthetic market )

Jobs & internships at Vincent Systems: Join us in shaping the future of hand prosthetics – exciting positions in Karlsruhe. Job Openings As an innovative company, we are always looking for creative minds and talents. Whether you are a student, graduate or experienced specialist - we offer promising entry opportunities and interesting fields of activity. Here, you can expect flat hierarchies with a casual, first-name-only culture, exciting areas of work, and an interdisciplinary team. Are you looking for a meaningful activity where you can completely identify? Then apply unsolicited or for one of our advertised roles. Current job postings: Technician / Mechatronics Technician (m/f/d) Orthopedic Technician (m/f/d) IT Administrator (m/w/d) Hardware and Firmware Developer (m/f/d) Mechanical Engineering Development Engineer (m/f/d) Internships / Theses Students at German colleges and universities who are interested in fields such as design, hardware or software development, AI applications, app programming, robotics, or VR have come to the right place. Please submit your complete application materials. These should include a cover letter, your resume, transcripts, your current certificate of enrollment, and a current transcript of grades. Unsolicited applications Please always submit your complete application documents (cover letter, resume, references), stating your salary requirements and an earliest possible starting date, via email to Ms. Martin at bewerbung@vincentsystems.de. We do not accept postal or personal applications - we ask for your understanding. Unsolicited Application for a Thesis (m/f/d)

Greta finds the VINCENTevolution to be a high-tech companion: rugged, portable, and stylish—perfect for outdoor adventures, travel, and everyday life. Close Bionic on Tour – My Journey with the VINCENTevolution By Greta Hi! I’m Greta, 24 years old, studying psychology and neuroscience in Würzburg, and I was born without my right hand. For most of my life, I did not wear a prosthesis. I was active and felt completely whole without assistive technology. But as I started traveling more, riding my bike, climbing mountain peaks, and diving into new adventures, I realized something important: a well-designed bionic hand prosthesis can be more than just a hand replacement. It can be a real gamechanger. Today, I wear the VINCENTevolution bionic hand from Vincent Systems, with black finger segments and a transparent silicone cover. The robotic look remains visible, and that is exactly what I love. Making high-tech prosthetic technology visible instead of hiding it is my motto. Alongside my studies, I work as a bionic model, and the prosthesis is always a highlight during photoshoots. The reactions are overwhelmingly positive. I often hear comments like, “Wow, that looks like something from the future,” or “That’s not a disadvantage, it’s a statement.” And that is exactly how I see it. Both professionally and privately, I am constantly on the move, whether in the mountains, on my bike, or sometimes even paragliding. Especially while traveling, my myoelectric upper limb prosthesis has proven incredibly practical. Recently, I joined a ski touring trip as a featured athlete for an outdoor brand, and of course my prosthetic hand was part of the adventure. Freezing temperatures, steep ascents, a climbing section, and right in the middle of it all, me with my VINCENTevolution. When I am outdoors, I truly appreciate the multiple, easy-to-select grip patterns and the strong prosthetic grip strength. Holding a ski pole, for example, requires a firm and reliable grip. When we finally reached the summit, I knew I could do everything without limitations. Whether in the mountains, camping, strolling through the city, or cycling, my prosthesis is always a trusted companion. One feature I particularly value is the USB-C charging port. It allows me to recharge the prosthetic hand easily on the go using a power bank, whether I am on a bus in Morocco or on a night train to Italy. Lifting heavy luggage onto a train or pushing open a stuck compartment door is no problem, thanks to the durable aluminum alloy used in the inner structure of the prosthetic hand. The best part is that I do not wear my prosthesis because I have to, but because I want to. It complements me without defining me. I decide when it serves as a tool and when it does not. Through my studies in psychology and neuroscience, I have developed a fascinating perspective on the connection between body and technology. I spend a lot of time exploring body perception, neuropsychological processes, and the question of what “normal” really means. My prosthesis is part of that exploration and invites new social experiences every day. I am excited to see how modern prosthetic technology will continue to evolve. But even now, I am grateful to have such a powerful piece of high-tech by my side, whether on a mountain peak, in a lecture hall, or in front of the camera.

In her user story, elementary school teacher Dorothee shares how she confidently teaches in the classroom with her VINCENTevolution hand prosthesis. Close My prosthesis in the classroom By Dorothee Hi, I'm Dorothee, I wear a forearm prosthesis, and I'm a primary school teacher. My prosthesis was never an obstacle to choosing this profession. What adults might only consider after giving it some thought is actually no problem for children. Children approach you without prejudice, but they also blurt out their questions directly. Is that a problem? No, otherwise this profession wouldn't be right for me. But my development in dealing with these many encounters and the prosthesis has changed with the VINCENTevolution hand prosthesis. For a long time, I wore a myoelectric forearm prosthesis with a silicone cover, which meant that it looked very realistic cosmetically and was not always immediately noticeable, but often only at second glance. This was pleasant, because I was not immediately the center of attention. The typical questions were, for example: “What is that?”, “Why do you have that?”, “Where is your real hand?”, “Why don't you have a real hand?”, “Is there a bone underneath?”, “Does it hurt?”, ... and only later: “How do you open it?” I answered the questions in more detail at times and more briefly at others when I had to repeat myself often. After getting to know the class for the first time, the focus then shifted more to the learning content. Nevertheless, the children saw exactly what I was doing and how I was doing it. The grip I had at the time supported me, but it wasn't always the best grip for many different things in terms of ergonomics and functionality, so I also had to use my other hand a lot for support. There came a time when my existing hand was overloaded. So I was open to advice on the prosthetic options now available on the market. The VINCENTevolution from Vincent Systems impressed me at the time with its high-tech features, numerous functions, high reliability when gripping, and cool appearance. Of course, it took some getting used to learning and being able to use so many grips when you're in a situation where you need to act quickly. I had to give myself a little more time and be patient until it became routine and a real benefit to my everyday life! From my initial attitude of “a prosthesis is an option, but not a necessity,” I came to realize with my new robot-style hand that “Hey! The prosthesis really helps me!” I noticed, for example, that the apple stayed in my hand and didn't slip out. Or that I could hold the book well without twisting and cramping my shoulder. Many more moments followed, so that I began to enjoy consciously using my prosthesis. At first, I still wore the hand prosthesis with a skin-colored glove cover. To be honest, it bothered me when I looked down and saw the black hand standing out so much. When Vincent Systems launched the different color options on the market, I was happy and chose the skin-colored version. What was interesting was how things developed at school. The children immediately asked more questions about the technology. “How does it work?”, “How can you change the grip?”, “Can you write with it?”, “Can you open this bottle?”, “Can you go in the water with it?” etc. So it was no longer so interesting why I wear a prosthesis, but what it can do and how it works. The focus was now on the technology or the thing itself and not directly on me, which I found very pleasant. The children's confidence in dealing with the “robot hand” strengthened and changed my perspective, and I now occasionally wear a loaner hand in a different color, not just my skin color. I myself became more experienced in using the grips and at the same time more confident with the many encounters and questions. When I have a new class and we get to know each other, there is always a question and answer session about the prosthesis. Anyone who wants to can touch it. Until their thirst for knowledge is quenched, it is impossible to continue with the lesson anyway. The students know what I am wearing, and it is normal at our school that I live and teach with a robotic hand.

High-performance sports prosthesis with flexible, shock-absorbing wrist for safe training up to 200 kg, ideal for athletes and everyday work. VINCENTwork | Work prosthesis The VINCENTwork prosthesis system is an orthopedic aid for everyday work but also for competitive athletes. In particular, training with heavy weights is an important training discipline in numerous sports. Previous fittings in the field of prosthetics were not designed for the high loads involved in competitive sports. The new prosthesis series makes it possible to train with weights of up to 200 kg. Snatching and alternating loads are also permitted without any problems at the maximum weights. A special feature is the flexible wrist. This allows a movement compensation between the training weight and the forearm stem. The joint flexes in all directions in a damped manner and also allows unlimited rotation compensation. Shocks and tensile forces are elastically absorbed and damped. The concept allows improved, symmetrical training with both arms and thus supports a natural movement pattern. This not only makes training more efficient, but also less stressful for the joints and the entire musculoskeletal system. Equipped with a shock-absorbing, rotating and angle-compensating wrist, the sports prosthesis enables safe training without limits. Flyer VINCENTwork

Pictures from the 2023 Vincent Systems Symposium, where customers presented the company's latest product innovations. VINCENT Symposium 2023 Close

Pictures of the Vincent Systems booth at the REHAB trade fair for orthopaedic technicians and users in 2023. REHAB 2023 Close neo1 Exoskeleton VINCENTvr Training system

Learn more about Vincent Systems' awards and prizes in the fields of medical technology, design, and innovation. Awards